HARRISBURG (May 8, 2014) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession will be honoring law offices that have programs or initiatives that are helping women lawyers continue and advance in their professions.

Twelve law firms will be named to the 2014 Honor Roll of Legal Organizations Welcoming Women Professionals during the commission’s 21st annual conference, “Lean In, Lean On, Lean Forward,” May 14, at the Hershey Lodge, Hershey.

"The Honor Roll recognizes firms providing flexible work schedules, backup child care, networking events and other innovative solutions that enable women lawyers to continue and advance in their careers,” said Lisa M. Benzie, commission co-chair. “We hope that the Honor Roll recognition inspires additional Pennsylvania firms, corporate law departments and other organizations of lawyers to implement similar programs."

The following firms are included on the 2014 Honor Roll:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor’s Office of General Counsel, Harrisburg – for its recruitment, retention and promotion of women; support programs; flexible scheduling; pay equity; and its pro bono opportunities

Duane Morris LLP, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – for its “Women’s Initiative Insight Series,” offering quarterly programming for female lawyers; its “Lean In Dialogues” panel discussions about gender bias in the workplace; and its “Women in Professional Services – Surviving and Thriving in Shark-Infested Waters” networking events. Also was listed on the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Honor Rolls.

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott LLC, Canonsburg, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – for its “Women’s Initiative at Eckert” program that encourages staff at each of the firm’s offices to undertake mentoring, charitable causes and business development activities and for its flexible and innovative employee relations policies. Also was listed on the 2010, 2012 and 2013 Honor Rolls.

Law Offices of Lisa P. Wildstein LLC, Philadelphia – for offering flexible work schedules, formal mentoring of female-to-female lawyers and the ability to work remotely when dealing with child care- and medically-related issues.

Pepper Hamilton LLP, Berwyn, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh – for its Women’s Initiative, known as the WIN! Initiative, which includes committees devoted to recruitment and retention, business and career development, networking and relationship building, and mentoring and guidance. Also was listed on the 2013 Honor Roll.

Philadelphia VIP, Philadelphia – for encouraging women to pursue professional development opportunities, flexible scheduling and remote working options, and mentoring of legal interns

Seidel, Cohen, Hof & Reid LLC, Bethlehem and Easton – for its maternity leave and child care policies, flexible scheduling, mentoring and professional development opportunities. Also listed on the 2013 Honor Roll.

White and Williams LLP, Berwyn, Center Valley and Philadelphia – for its Women’s Initiative that includes “Inspiring the Future” (a formal mentoring program), its Virginia Barton Wallace Award (an award recognizing professionalism, leadership and work ethic), its flexible scheduling for working mothers and its encouragement of employees’ leadership in community organizations. Also listed on the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 Honor Rolls.

Willig Williams & Davidson, Harrisburg, Jenkintown, Media and Philadelphia – for its policies covering part-time work, family leave, parental leave and medical leave, flexible scheduling for work/life balance and encouragement of women to invest time to support their profession and their communities. Also listed on the 2010 and 2012 Honor Rolls.

During the May 14 conference, the commission also will honor Judge Marilyn J. Horan, Butler County Court of Common Pleas with its Anne X. Alpern Award and Sarah C. Yerger of Harrisburg with the Lynnette Norton Award. The Alpern Award is presented annually to a female lawyer or judge who demonstrates excellence in the legal profession and who makes a significant professional impact on women in the law. The Norton Award is presented annually to a female attorney who excels in litigation skills and who is devoted to mentoring female lawyers.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 27,000 lawyers who are members of the association.